1. Obtain and complete an application for a certified copy of a death certificate.
Copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred within the past 25 years can be requested only by immediate family members of the person whose name is on the certificate. See Section 181.1(13) of the Texas Administrative Code for what qualifies as an immediate family member. Applicants who are not immediate family members must provide legal documentation (such as an insurance policy listing the applicant as the beneficiary) that documents a direct, tangible interest in the death certificate.
2. Send the completed application and payment using one of the methods listed in the table below.
The applicant must include a photocopy of his or her valid photo ID issued by a governmental entity. See Section 181.28 of the Texas Administrative Code for a complete list of acceptable forms of identification. You also can see VSU's page on acceptable identification in English and Spanish.
Applications for death certificates cannot be processed without a photo ID or alternate IDs and the signature of the applicant.
| Order methods |
Instructions |
Cost |
Payment methods |
Estimated processing time |
| U.S. Postal Service |
Texas Death Certificate Application (PDF)
Mail to:
DSHS Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040 |
$20 – 1st certified copy
$3 – each additional copy
+ $8 return delivery for Lonestar (within Texas) or Fedex (outside of Texas) or $22.95 for P.O. Box and express mail (optional)* |
Check/money order payable to "DSHS Vital Statistics" |
Processing times for records |
| Expedited Service |
Texas Death Certificate Application (PDF)
Orders must be sent via an overnight mail service, such as:
Mail to:
Texas DSHS - Vital Statistics Unit
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756 |
$20–1st certified copy
$3–each additional copy
+ $5 expedited processing fee
+ $8 return delivery for Lonestar (within Texas) or Fedex (outside of Texas) or $22.95 for P.O. Box and express mail (optional)* |
Check/money order payable to "DSHS Vital Statistices" |
Processing times for records |
| In person |
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Monday-Friday
8 am – 4 pm |
$20 - 1st certified copy
$3 - each additional copy |
Cash
Credit/Debit Card†
Check/money order payable to "DSHS Vital Statistics" |
30-60 minutes
Note: Searches may require 24 hours or more to process. |
*Additional carrier rates for Saturday and international shipping will apply.
†Credit cards will require a $2.25 processing fee.